Securing ancillary equipment

Some people with disability or medical conditions may need to use medical equipment during motor vehicle travel, such as oxygen, feeding pumps, CPAP or other respiratory equipment, ventilators, suction equipment or monitoring devices. Some equipment may need to be positioned close to the person so it can be used or accessed during the journey.

Securing medical equipment is important to support the safe use of the device and to reduce the risk of it moving or becoming a projectile in a sudden stop or crash.

There is currently limited evidence about the crash performance of methods used to secure portable medical equipment in passenger vehicles. Some equipment suppliers provide transport bags, brackets or other securement arrangements for specific devices. Advice should be sought from the equipment manufacturer or supplier about how the particular device should be positioned, transported and secured.

The Indiana University School of Medicine recommends that, where appropriate, medical equipment may be placed on the floor of the vehicle and wedged with pillows, foam or blankets to reduce movement. Before placing equipment under a vehicle seat, the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions should be checked.

MACA is advocating for further research to identify safer and more effective ways to secure ancillary medical equipment in motor vehicles.

Organisations supporting people who travel with medical equipment should have policies and procedures to guide its safe transport and securement.